Examples of Things to See Driving on Oahu

If you have a day to spend, have a rental car and want to see as much of the island of Oahu as possible, you might want to try out this travel itinerary. It might be a little ambitious; so it’ll be important to get an early start. But if somehow you don’t, get behind schedule or get stuck in traffic, you can make up some or all of the time by leaving some stops off your travel agenda. So here are our recommendations on things to see driving on Oahu.

Arizona Memorial

Start your day bright and early by arriving at the Arizona Memorial when it opens at 7:00 am. As it is one of the most visited attractions and most historic in all of Hawaii, you can easily spend a couple of hours and more at the memorial. Plus, there’s the famous battleship, USS Missouri, on display on nearby Ford Island and a World War II submarine, the USS Bowfin, that you can also visit. Without doubt, this has to be one of best things to see driving on Oahu.

Dole Plantation

After Pearl Harbor, head past the town of Wahiawa to the Dole Plantation complex. Here, you can sample all sorts of pineapple related treats from fresh squeezed juice to frozen treats, candies and preserves as well as get a glimpse of the wide range of pineapples that have been grown in the 50th State. The plantation also claims to have the world’s largest maze as well as a pineapple train ride.

The Dole Plantation.

Matsumoto Shave Ice

Continuing your drive north, head out to the historic town of Haleiwa and stop by the Matsumoto Shave Ice store for one of the Aloha State’s most iconic treats, shave ice. Unlike frozen ice treats served at convenience stores on the US mainland, shave ice is uniquely different because the ice used in this confection is shaved, not chopped or ground. This might arguably be Hawaii’s most famous stop for shave ice; so don’t pass up this opportunity to try it here.

North Shore Surf Spots

Continue along Kamehameha Highway and you’ll drive by world famous surf spots such as the Banzai Pipeline, Chun’s Reef, Laniakea and Sunset Beach. During the summer when the surf is down, you can also stop by picturesque Waimea Bay where you can relax on a large sandy beach and even enjoy a nice swim. If you have time, you can visit nearby Waimea Valley to see its beautiful botanical gardens and waterfall directly across Waimea Bay.

Waimea Bay in the summer.

Kahuku Food Trucks

You might now be working up your appetite as you continue your drive to the town of Kahuku. As you approach the town, you can see some lunch trucks on both sides of the highway. Here, you can stop by for a late lunch or early dinner. These mobile roadside food establishments might just serve some of the best cuisine ever served by a food truck. Of course, they’ll all feature locally grown Kahuku shrimp. In the next town of Laie, there’s the world famous Polynesian Cultural Center. But unless this your last stop, you’ll probably won’t have time to fully enjoy what the center has to offer.

Chinaman’s Hat

As you head towards the town of Kaneohe, you will see the hat shaped islet of Mokoli’i, popularly known to most local residents as Chinaman’s Hat. Stop to take a picture here. There’s a popular park and white sand beach fronting Chinaman’s Hat as well as the Kualoa Ranch where, if you have some time, you can do horseback riding, zip-lining, go on ATV expeditions and visit locations where a number major motion pictures were filmed.

Chinaman’s Hat.

Pali Lookout

If it’s not too late, stop by the Pali Lookout for a panorama of the windward side of the island. Coming from the windward side, the road to the lookout will be a few miles past the tunnels. To avoid theft, be sure not to leave your valuables in your car when you head out to the lookout. This area not only affords the best views of windward Oahu. But it was also the site of a historic 1795 battle. Here, King Kamehameha’s army defeated the warriors of Oahu in his goal of unifying the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. It’s definitely one of the things to see driving on Oahu.

Waterfall at Queen Lili’oukalani Botanical Garden, one of the hidden hotspots on Oahu.

Finding the Hidden Hotspots on Oahu

Like to take the path less taken whenever you travel? If so, the Gathering Place of Oahu has many such locales. Looking for a less crowded, out of the way attraction or some great eating place that only the local residents know about? If so, this Hawaiian Island definitely has them. Here are our recommendations for such hidden hotspots on Oahu.

Lili’oukalani Botanical Garden

Right outside downtown Honolulu in the middle of a secluded residential area is an idyllic botanical garden. It once served as the private park of Hawaii’s Queen Lili’oukalani. In an area shaded by monkeypod trees and Hawaiian plants, you can find a small but beautiful waterfall and pond. They are surrounded by a small but picturesque park. It’s a perfect place for a picnic and some scenic picture taking. But you’d better bring some mosquito repellent. Plus, parking is here very limited.

View from Diamond Head summit.

Diamond Head Lookout

Conveniently situated near Waikiki, there is a trail that starts from inside Diamond Head Crater that leads to its summit. The stimulating hike up the trail can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, which will take you through a winding maze of old World War I coastal defense fortifications, dimly-lite tunnels and steep, long stairwells. Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded by some of the best commanding views of Waikiki and its surrounding areas. It’s also a favorite place to watch the beautiful Hawaiian sunrise.

View of Honolulu on way to Pu’u Ualaka’a State Park.

Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Park on Tantalus

Located in the Makiki area of Honolulu, this state park offers arguably the best panoramic views of Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu. To get here, you’ll have to drive through winding road lined with homes perched on hillside properties. After you see the gate to the park, drive past it up the hill. Once you reach the parking lot, walk a few feet to a covered observation area and then take in the majestic views of Hawaii’s largest and most vibrant city. As this place is higher up in elevation and blessed with cool winds, it’s a great place to hang out on a warm and humid summer day.

Ka’ena Point

Found on Oahu’s most extreme northwestern point, Ka’ena Point is an isolated spot on the island and features some of Hawaii’s most rare endemic coastal plant life. It’s also a great spot to view native Hawaiian seabirds as well as to catch a glimpse of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal basking on the seashore. Be prepared to do a bit of hiking as the paved road ends as you get closer to the point. Be aware that you should not enter the water here as the surf is very rough and because there is a very dangerous rip current offshore.

Eat the Street

Since 2011, on the last Friday of each month from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the who’s who of Honolulu’s food trucks vendors converge in the Ka’akako area, which is conveniently located near Waikiki, to offer a wide range of prepared foods. The food types on display here range from your typical Hawaii plate lunch fare to fancy gourmet dishes. This monthly has grown to become one of the most popular food gatherings in town.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

This iconic hole-in-the-wall place that specializes in Hawaiian food has been prominently featured on national TV. Why? Because if you like Hawaiian food, many locals will tell you that this is the place to go. It’s located in the Kalihi area of town an older unassuming wooden building on School Street. However, be aware when you go here that parking is very limited and service is first come first served. Plus, it only opens from Tuesdays to Fridays until 7:30 pm.

For information on how to travel to Hawaii in the most inexpensive way possible, check out our Get to Hawaii website for a wide range of Hawaii vacation packages to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai.